Suwa Practicalities

The Suwa Region, just two and a half hours from Tokyo by train, is a realm unto itself. Suwa has it all: local food and music traditions, hot springs, historical landmarks galore, and of course a gorgeous natural environment. People have inhabited the area since the Jomon era, stretching back over 12,000 years. Remnants of that ancient culture are still alive in many of its festivals, including Onbashira.

While well known to many Japanese people, it’s largely off the radar of most international travelers. Suwa is set to become a premier eco-tourist destination in the years to come.